Kate Middleton has hypnotherapy for morning sickness

Kate Middleton is having hypnotherapy to battle morning sickness, according to marieclaire.co.uk.

The Duchess of Cambridge is reportedly trying out a hypnotherapy course in a bid to change her attitude towards food, which can help overcome nausea associated with pregnancy.

An old acquaintance, Jessica Hay, told an Australian magazine: "The hypnotherapy is taking away any negative thoughts connected with food from the morning sickness, and replacing them with cravings for healthy, nutritious food."

Kate was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum (an extreme form of morning sickness) in 2012. The illness can leave expectant mothers with extreme dehydration and can last for months, according to sofeminine.co.uk.

Prince William is rumoured to have encouraged his wife to try hypnotherapy as a means of feeling more positive about food. Ms Hay revealed that Kate gets full up very quickly and struggles to eat a full meal. She also said that the Duchess feels nauseous whenever she looks at food.

Hypnotherapy can retrain the mind to think more positively about food, which may allow the Duchess to eat a balanced diet and keep her strength up during the pregnancy. The negative thoughts about food, brought on by the morning sickness, could lead to unhealthy weight-loss and the course of treatment may help to combat those feelings.

The Australian magazine, 'New Idea', reported that Ms Hay added: "All in all, Catherine's very happy. With so much family around her and William, they're starting to enjoy the pregnancy after such a traumatic start."